Troubleshoot Your Clutch On Your Manual Transmission

When you drive a manual transmission, you have a little more to think about. One of those elements is your clutch, and there are various reasons for it to break. To help fix it quickly, it's worth troubleshooting the problem and here are four steps to help you do that.

Does Your Clutch Go to the Floor Quickly? 

You should get some push against your clutch when using it, after the first inch or so. This is when it starts to work with the system, so you can change gear. If you don't feel this, it means nothing is engaging and could mean there is no clutch fluid. With too little push against you, it can also damage your gearbox as first and reverse will start grinding together.

Is There Too Much Push?

You need a little lightness in the pedal for that first inch or so. If you don't get that, it suggests there is a bearing issue that needs to be fixed. Without this being fixed, the disc will keep spinning, putting more pressure on the car. The bearing will wear out much quicker.

Engine Revving but No Movement?

When you put your foot on the accelerator, do you get revving sounds but no movement? This is a sign that your clutch has slipped. It is a common problem with manual transmissions and is usually a quick fix for a garage. The clutch may just need adjusting, but it could also have worn completely and need replacing.

Struggling to Get Into Gear?

This is another sign that the clutch is slipping. You may find that you can't move from one gear to another without some force or struggle to get into a particular gear at all. Sometimes, taking your foot off the clutch and putting it back on temporary fixes the problem but you will still need to get it checked.

Of course, struggling to get into gear could also be a gear box problem. It could also be a fault of your own accidentally. It depends on how often you experience this. A one-off can be put down to human error, but more than that and you need to get the car checked in.

Manual transmissions do have their faults, as well as their advantages. It is important to get any signs of problems fixed as soon as possible. By using your senses, you will be able to help diagnose the problem quickly and effectively. Contact a local mechanic for more info.


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